When this was read, Mr. Attorney General produced the examination of Sir John Davis, which contained in effect as followeth.

He saith that the Earl’s purpose was to possess himself of the Court, and to take the Tower of London, and that they had several meetings of consultation together with the Earl of Southampton, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Jo. Littleton, Sir Christopher Blount, Sir Charles Danvers, and this Deponent. And the matters, he confesseth, the Earl of Essex set down all with his own hand, viz. Sir Christopher Blount to keep the Outward Gate of the Court himself; this deponent the Hall and Watergate, and Sir Charles Danvers the Presence and Guard-Chamber. Then my Lord of Essex and his forces would have come by land and so possessed the presence of the Queen. The question was asked the Earl of Essex (as this Deponent saith) how he would deal with offenders and such as resisted him after he should be possessed of these things. He resolved them by way of answer that he meant to admit them all to an honourable trial.

[Attorn Gen.] There is another Examination [that being] of Sir Christopher Blount’s. I pray let that be read.

He saith that four or five days before the Insurrection in London the Earl of Essex set down divers articles with his own hand with petitions to the Earl of Southampton, Sir Charles Danvers, Sir John Davis, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, Jo. Littleton and this Deponent which were to the effect before remembered. And further, this Deponent remembereth that the Earl of Essex his purpose was, after these things should be overpassed and settled, to alter the state of Government. And further this Deponent confesseth himself to be reconciled to the Pope, and moreover saith that the Earl of Essex said he looked not that any should be troubled for Religion and liberty of conscience; that he received letters from the Earl of Essex the twentieth of January to come to London, whereupon he came.